1980 tailgate latch upgrade ?

[wildedge]

I am having problems with the latches not closing all the way and locking. They close and then you can get them to unlock partially by by pulling on the gate. I want to replace both sides and and since the only latches for the 78 thru 82 gates are no longer available thru anyone except junkyards, I was wondering if anyone has figured out how to do an upgrade or something. I've been doing lots of calling and searching and still nothing. .....thanks in advance